Monday, August 31, 2009

Tonight we made a "Boys Only" fort in the living room. Here, in this unflattering pic of my midsection, Graham, Korky, and I huddle and share some quality guy talk.

Girl spies are everywhere in our house, and as Pepper sniffed around and C.C. climbed all over the rooftop trying to gain access, Mama snuck in for a surprise attack.Luckily Graham quickly pulled the flap down so she would not uncover any of our manly secrets.

After a brief conversation, and a 2 to 1 vote (Korky voted nay) it was decided to grant Mama special temporary access. It seemed only fair since it was her idea to build the fort in the first place, and she did bring out the kitchen chairs and bedspread, and well, basically built it herself.Squeeze in Mama!

Ahhh- nice and cozy!

Now you have to imagine the entire scene- we are all hiding under the bedspread, the dogs have been exiled and have begun searching for a weak spot around the perimeter to get inside. Mama has brought the camera and this is only a few of a hundred pictures she took while we struggled to not only stay inside the enclosure, but to keep it from collapsing on us. I'm surprised none of us suffered a seizure from all the strobes of the flashes. We were having an excellent time laughing together.....Until......

"The Wonder Pets" came on.Suddenly the T.V. that had been ignored in the backround played the opening theme for his favorite pre-bedtime show,and the game changed entirely. Graham wanted to not only enjoy the luxury of the fort, also watch his show while doing so.But since the chairs were all being used, and the couches were outside the enclosure, where could he sit? Well there was only one possible solution for him.

My head. The next 20 minutes consisted of him climbing on top of me in the continuous struggle to get comfortable on my face. The more I resisted, the more he (and his Mama) laughed.

We made our weekly trip to the farmer's market on Saturday morning, and as usual they had some form of entertainment. Once it was belly dancers, another time it was a band called "Just Throw Money", this week however it featured a band called "Backroads" that Graham just couldn't get enough of.

In fact, his desire to hear more of them was so great, he had an uncharacteristic conniption at Joey Ruffino's (one of his favorite pizza places) that led to us taking our slices to go and sitting right in the middle of the market square to enjoy them while we ate.

This kid surely loves any and all types of music. I can only imagine what he'll be into as he gets older.

Graham's clay tiles were on display along with some beautiful pieces by much more tenured artists last night. (I believe the pieces below were by Martha Fitzpatrick). (And yes, Scout is an art afficionado.)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

We spent most of the weekend relaxing with Aunt Liz. We got pedicures, and Liz gave Graham some fashion advice (yikes!)

We also finally finished the silkscreen project we started Memorial Day weekend.

It reminded us of "big enough" and silk screening with Dart Products back in the day. Using the Yuduwas really fun. Except getting the emulsion on the screen. That was stressful. But otherwise, not so bad! (Yes that's a waffle... check out the melted butter!)

Saturday, August 29, 2009

We celebrated Grandpa's birthday Friday night with a delicious steamed clam and grilled steak dinner at the farm. Here Graham shares his newest "funny face" while supervising Papa shucking the corn. Things weren't so funny an hour later when we realized we didn't bring enough diapers and had no back up outfit at the ready. :) Sorry no pics of the make shift t-shirt dress and the diapers from the Morris Big M...

I have been doing a little embroidery project for three of my dear friends who are also moms with little ones. They'll be in the mail on Monday. Now if I could get Graham to cooperate I'd make one for myself!

Friday, August 28, 2009

The bird was so loud, we could hear the hammering from inside the house. I'm no ornithologist, but I wonder if it could be a pileated woodpecker. (note, the loudest sound in the video is from a passing train *not* the bird)

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

At long last, work has begun on the new playground project at the elementary school across the street from our house. Graham took some time last night to check out the heavy machinery, Grandpa Paul-style (from the inside out).

He returned to the job site this morning at 7:45 am to supervise as they broke ground.

After watching the crew and equipment in action, Graham decided he needed to be a bit more involved in the project himself.

He's is the only kid in the neighborhood that can say "Hey, I helped!"

Sunday, August 23, 2009

This weekend we said a sad goodbye to Miss Jen, the woman who led the Huntington Library's story time class that Graham has attended since he was about 7 months old.She has the distinct honor of being his very first teacher, and in that time he has grown from a smiling infant who sat quietly in my lap, into the giggling toddler who now runs amok through the library.

Attending her classes was our first Father/Son venture into the outside world, and it not only introduced Graham to the wonderful world of books, music and bubbles, it also gave us the opportunity to meet the many new friends we now share play dates with.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Graham and Winnie enjoying dinner al fresco (with Jordan and Bridgette). While the small table was adorable, the kids didn't linger long. There was lots of fun to be had on the porch stairs, including a failed attempt at a kiss, and Winnie hiding under the kiddie pool barrier to escape a Time Out.

The Art and Soul of the Catskills fest was really nice and it gave us the opportunity to hear Tucker's dad Jeff and his band Panhandle. The music, the art work and the food were terrific, and for Graham, meeting several dogs, some sparrows and a guinea pig took the cake. We may have a Dr. Doolittle on our hands!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

It was hot, but we headed up to Cooperstown with Grandma and Grandpa (and Scout) to see the Border Collies strut their stuff. The dogs are so fast-- and smart-- it's pretty amazing how well they obey their master's whistle commands.

Unfortunately, it wasn't enough excitement to hold Graham's interest for long. Luckily for all involved, Papa found a border collie puppy which was much more appealing.

There are a lot of spiders around our house this summer. The most noteworthy is this big one who lives on the front porch. She sent all the neighborhood kids screaming (except one who wanted to take her home as a pet). I wish she'd be a little more like Charlotte and spin up something special in her web!